MIDDLE EAST PEACEKEEPERS WON'T STOP ARMS SMUGGLING TO TERRORISTS IN LEBANON
Randy L. Harrington
August 27, 2006
UN Secretary Kofi Annan said Friday during his press conference that United Nations peacekeepers will not be stationed along the Lebanese-Syrian border to prevent smuggling of arms to Hezbollah terrorists unless Beirut ask for help in preventing arms smuggling to terrorists working inside of Lebanon.
Annan claims that UN Resolution 1701 does not require deployment of UN forces to the border unless the Beirut ruling government asks for its help. Lebanon's interior minister declared that the Lebanese Army would alone continue its effective and outstanding border patrols to prevent illegal arms smuggling to Hezbollah terrorists, but they admitted that they could accept “technical assistance from” UN peacekeepers.
Annan's announcement came after Syria's threats last week that it would view UN troop deployment along the Lebanese-Syrian Border as “a hostile act”, and that it would seal the border with Lebanon. If Syria were to seal the border it would likely have grave economic consequences for Lebanon. Israel is demanding UN peacekeeper deployment along the border that will cut off arms shipments from Syria and Iran to Hezbollah terrorists. An Israeli spokesman said that Israel will not lift the air blockade on Lebanon unless the UN peacekeeper troops were deployed to the Lebanese-Syrian border. Annan plans a visit to Syria and Iran next week, and he will discuss the illegal arms trafficking across the Lebanese-Syrian border.
The multinational peacekeeping forces face several problems besides the issue of the Lebanese-Syrian border. During the last two weeks Israel has posed its objections to 1,000 soldiers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh being included in the force. These are countries that have a Muslim majority and do not recognize Israel. Annan has promised that these countries have pledged “firm commitments” to contribute troops, but he remained silent on whether or not these countries would recognize Israel's sovereignty. Annan said that the UN would “take the best peacekeepers where we can find them.” Annan said that “We don't have pools sitting in barracks you can pick and choose from.” Annan was not specific, but said that there were ways of using troops from countries that are hostile to Israels interests, while still taking Israels concerns into consideration.
Annan announced that thousands of UN peacekeepers would be on the ground within days, except for France who has agreed to send troops in three weeks. Finland's foreign minister said that the entire peacekeeping force would be increased over the next two or three months.
Annan has left for on a series of visits to eight countries in the Middle East, and the Persian Gulf where he will encourage parties involved in the hostilities to take actions to strengthen the cease fire.
Annan will travel to Israel for meetings with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Annan will also visit Iran and Syria, who are considered backers of Hezbollah, and are believed to be controlling the Lebanese government out of fear. Several diplomats expressed skepticism over the talks with Syria and Iran, and feel that the visit should be skipped, and reserved for countries who have shown a genuine desire for peace in the region. Hezbollah, and Hamas have organizational charters, and dictates that are openly designed to bring about the complete and total destruction of Israel.
SOURCES/CONTRIBUTORS: AP
Copyright 2006 Randy L. Harrington. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Annan claims that UN Resolution 1701 does not require deployment of UN forces to the border unless the Beirut ruling government asks for its help. Lebanon's interior minister declared that the Lebanese Army would alone continue its effective and outstanding border patrols to prevent illegal arms smuggling to Hezbollah terrorists, but they admitted that they could accept “technical assistance from” UN peacekeepers.
Annan's announcement came after Syria's threats last week that it would view UN troop deployment along the Lebanese-Syrian Border as “a hostile act”, and that it would seal the border with Lebanon. If Syria were to seal the border it would likely have grave economic consequences for Lebanon. Israel is demanding UN peacekeeper deployment along the border that will cut off arms shipments from Syria and Iran to Hezbollah terrorists. An Israeli spokesman said that Israel will not lift the air blockade on Lebanon unless the UN peacekeeper troops were deployed to the Lebanese-Syrian border. Annan plans a visit to Syria and Iran next week, and he will discuss the illegal arms trafficking across the Lebanese-Syrian border.
The multinational peacekeeping forces face several problems besides the issue of the Lebanese-Syrian border. During the last two weeks Israel has posed its objections to 1,000 soldiers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Bangladesh being included in the force. These are countries that have a Muslim majority and do not recognize Israel. Annan has promised that these countries have pledged “firm commitments” to contribute troops, but he remained silent on whether or not these countries would recognize Israel's sovereignty. Annan said that the UN would “take the best peacekeepers where we can find them.” Annan said that “We don't have pools sitting in barracks you can pick and choose from.” Annan was not specific, but said that there were ways of using troops from countries that are hostile to Israels interests, while still taking Israels concerns into consideration.
Annan announced that thousands of UN peacekeepers would be on the ground within days, except for France who has agreed to send troops in three weeks. Finland's foreign minister said that the entire peacekeeping force would be increased over the next two or three months.
Annan has left for on a series of visits to eight countries in the Middle East, and the Persian Gulf where he will encourage parties involved in the hostilities to take actions to strengthen the cease fire.
Annan will travel to Israel for meetings with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Annan will also visit Iran and Syria, who are considered backers of Hezbollah, and are believed to be controlling the Lebanese government out of fear. Several diplomats expressed skepticism over the talks with Syria and Iran, and feel that the visit should be skipped, and reserved for countries who have shown a genuine desire for peace in the region. Hezbollah, and Hamas have organizational charters, and dictates that are openly designed to bring about the complete and total destruction of Israel.
SOURCES/CONTRIBUTORS: AP
Copyright 2006 Randy L. Harrington. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.